Sgt. Army

Sgt. Jason E. Holmes, age 36 years formerly of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at his home in Columbia, South Carolina.

He was born on February 26, 1980 in Niles to Brenda (Crocker) Holmes and Brian Holmes, Sr. After high school, he pursued a military career, which has been remarkable. He completed three tours of duty, including two in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan; and had been wounded twice in battle earning a Purple Heart with an additional Oak Leaf Cluster. He was currently based at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

When at home and off-duty, Jason enjoyed spending time with his children, and with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William R. and Lillian R. Holmes, and Lois Crocker, and a special friend, John Koegel; and had been previously married to Renée Brown.

Surviving family includes his children, Halle Holmes of Fruitport, Michigan and Jaden Holmes of El Paso, Texas; his parents, Brenda Crocker (& Tom) Vokal of Nunica, Michigan and Brian Holmes, Sr. of Niles; grandparents, Thomas Crocker, Edward Vokal, and Bette Schubert; and Jason’s siblings, Brian Holmes, Jr., Toby Vokal, Troy Vokal, Ryan Rutkowski, William Mangold, and Jamie Rutkowski; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews including Cameron Holmes who had become a special nephew. He is also survived by that wonderful family that he chose: his military brothers and sisters and their families.

Services for Sgt. Jason E. Holmes were held earlier in Coopersville, Michigan. Contributions in memory of Jason may be made to the Niles Veteran’s Memorial at Riverfront Park c/o City of Niles, 333 North Second Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.